A series of heavy Russian drone attacks struck Ukraine’s westernmost region of Zakarpattia Oblast on Wednesday, with explosions reported in multiple towns, including Mukachevo and Uzhhorod, according to Ukrainian media reports.
Local sources cited by 444.hu and HVG said that a Shahed-type drone detonated near Svaliava (Szolyva), reportedly damaging energy infrastructure, while further strikes or impacts were reported across the region as air raid alerts continued throughout the day.
Ukrainian officials warned that additional drones were still heading towards populated areas, including Mukachevo (Munkács), Khust (Huszt) and other settlements in the region.
Videos circulating on social media reportedly showed explosions near Svaliava and drones flying over nearby districts, highlighting the intensity and scale of the overnight assault.
Multiple strikes reported across western Ukraine
According to regional reporting, at least five drone impacts were identified in Zakarpattia, including strikes near Svaliava, Mukachevo, and Uzhhorod. One drone reportedly hit an industrial site in Uzhhorod, while another damaged a transformer facility linked to railway infrastructure near Svaliava.
The local military administration described the attack as potentially one of the most significant strikes on the region since the start of the war, urging residents to remain in shelters.
The Ukrainian military intelligence directorate, Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR), said Russia had launched a “combined and prolonged” aerial assault, aimed at overwhelming air defences and targeting critical civilian infrastructure, particularly energy and industrial facilities.
Ukraine warns of escalating aerial campaign
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said more than 100 Russian drones were active in Ukrainian airspace during the day, with further waves of attacks expected.
The intelligence assessment suggested that Russia was preparing additional cruise missiles and ballistic strikes alongside drone operations, as part of a broader escalation targeting infrastructure and major cities.
Officials said the campaign was designed to weaken Ukraine’s defensive capacity by striking energy systems, transport links, and government facilities.
According to 444.hu’s information, 3 people have died so far.
Hungarian government responds, border disruption reported
Hungary’s newly appointed foreign minister, Anita Orbán, said in a social media video that Hungarian officials were in continuous contact with consular representatives and strongly condemned the attacks.
She stated that impacts had been recorded at multiple locations in Zakarpattia, including infrastructure near Svaliava and an industrial facility in Uzhhorod.
The issue was also placed on the agenda of a government meeting held in Ópusztaszer.
Péter Magyar said at a press conference following the government meeting that the Tisza government strongly condemned the Russian drone attack on Transcarpathia. He added that Foreign Minister Anita Orbán had summoned the Russian ambassador to Budapest for Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, regional security concerns led to border disruptions. The Slovakia–Ukraine border was temporarily closed, while Hungarian police reported a suspension of traffic at the Záhony crossing due to operational issues on the Ukrainian side.
Travellers were advised to use alternative crossings at Beregsurány, Barabás, Lónya, or Tiszabecs.
Wider war context: prolonged strikes and civilian targets
Ukrainian intelligence said Russia’s strategy involves a multi-phase aerial assault combining drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic weapons. The aim, officials claim, is to overwhelm air defences and hit critical civilian infrastructure.
Authorities also reported ongoing strikes across other parts of Ukraine, with at least three confirmed fatalities during the wider wave of attacks.
This happened a month ago: Russian drones hit Hungarian-populated Ukrainian region, Transcarpathia; at least one injured
